“Hmm, I’m going to be late.”
She walked off as if nothing had happened, leaving the girls behind, still staring at each other in disbelief.
“Oh, right…”
As though remembering something, Avira paused mid-step, turning her head slightly. A faint, lazy smile curved her lips.
“If you’re upset, fight back. Bottling it up will only hurt you in the end.”
The wind tousled her hair, making it look like strands of silk floating in the air.
The girls exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of her meaning—except for Noelle, who understood perfectly.
She froze, her hands tightening around the fabric of her skirt. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably.
“Hey…”
One of the girls noticed her unusual reaction and tugged at another’s arm, pulling her attention back to Noelle.
“What is it now?”
The girl shot a glance in Noelle’s direction before turning back, her mood visibly improved, likely thanks to the earlier “spectacle.” She sighed, ready to conclude their confrontation.
“Noelle, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Stay away from the basketball team and Orson. Trash like you doesn’t deserve to be near them.”
With every word, she jabbed Noelle’s shoulder with her finger, forcing her backward until she was leaning against the wall for support.
Seeing that Noelle still remained silent, the girl smirked coldly. “Let’s go.”
“Like…”
Just as they were about to leave, a trembling voice rang out from behind them.
Noelle’s hands clenched tightly into fists as she glared at the group, her face flushed but resolute. Her entire body was shaking, and her voice—strained by nerves—wavered unevenly.
Yet, despite the cracks in her tone, her words carried across the quiet garden with startling clarity, echoing faintly:
“Like you—women with your brains where your butts should be—what right do you have to say anything about me?!”
“…”
The atmosphere froze instantly, as if the world had momentarily stopped.
A bird flew past, leaving a feather drifting down.
What…
What—?!
Did the ice princess of the school, the usually silent Noelle, who carried herself like a noble princess from a fairy tale, just… say that?
Oh no!
Noelle’s face turned crimson in an instant. Ignoring the group of girls still frozen in shock and confusion, she covered her face and bolted away as fast as she could.
“Did she… just say our brains are where our butts are?”
The first girl to snap out of her daze muttered in disbelief.
“That little brat!”
The sunlight danced on the dark green leaves of the trees, scattering dappled patterns of golden light on the ground.
Eastwest Academy’s Student Council building was one of the most iconic structures on the grand campus.
The building, like much of the campus, was a symmetrical Gothic-style Bosspiece. In the sunlight, it seemed to radiate light naturally.
The Eastwest Student Council oversaw every aspect of campus life.
From managing class schedules and organizing events, to diplomacy, competitions, finances, and even student admissions and dismissals—the council’s authority was as prestigious as the academy’s own illustrious reputation.
Student Council President’s Office
When the door was pushed open, the tiny particles of dust floating in the air shifted chaotically.
As Avira entered, the office was silent.
She gently closed the door, and upon turning around, her eyes landed on the boy.
He was lounging on a velvet sofa, his legs crossed.
Dressed in a black shirt with a slightly disheveled tie, the subtle imperfection did nothing to diminish his regal aura.
One hand rested on his forehead, while the other draped over the sofa’s edge. His eyes were closed, his breathing steady, as if he had fallen asleep.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting his shadow onto the soft golden light. His brilliance, like a diamond, remained untouchable, something no glow could ever conceal.
For a moment, the air seemed to still, the only sound his gentle, rhythmic breaths.
Avira walked over and sat beside him, reaching out to brush aside the hair on his forehead. Her misty eyes gazed at him intently.
“So even Asake knows how to slack off…”
Her gaze dropped slightly, and she noticed his elegant hand resting by his side. It was so perfect, it looked like a piece of art. With a curious glint in her eye, she reached out and took it in hers, as though she’d just found a new toy.
